City Completes Spokane Street Viaduct Widening ProjectExpected to be under budget by several million dollars

SEATTLE – With a ceremonial ribbon cutting, today the City of Seattle officially completed its Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project. The project ensures a safer and smoother flow of traffic along this vital corridor, allowing up to 70,000 vehicles daily to more easily access West Seattle and reach Port of Seattle terminals and SODO businesses. Originally projected to cost $164 million, the work is now expected to come in under budget by several million dollars.

"This project helps maintain our existing infrastructure for years to come, helping residents, businesses, and freight move more easily and safely to and from West Seattle," said Mayor Mike McGinn.

Undertaken by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), the project doubled the width of the viaduct by building a new structure immediately adjacent to the old structure, which was also refurbished and seismically reinforced. The construction also added a new First Avenue S on/off-ramp and a new eastbound off-ramp to Fourth Avenue S. Ground level Spokane Street was completely reconstructed, and augmented with a sidewalk and multi-use trail. Finally, the project's artwork enlivens the area below the viaduct with color and images that recollect the natural and cultural history of the location.

Seattle City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, chair of the Transportation Committee, as well as a West Seattle resident said, "As a resident of West Seattle I have already seen how the viaduct has improved travel between West Seattle and I-5 and into downtown Seattle. The widened viaduct is one of the many major road improvements that are key to the success of the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement project."

SDOT Director Peter Hahn reflected upon the length and effect of the construction on the citizens and businesses of West Seattle and SODO. He stated, "We realize that a project of this magnitude and length has had major impacts on those working or living in the area. SDOT would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding over these past few years." He added, "We are pleased and proud to return this much-improved structure back to the community."

Funding sources for the $164 million project include federal and state governments, the Port of Seattle, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and the Bridging the Gap (BTG) levy. The
voter-approved BTG transportation levy provided approximately 40 percent of the project's cost.